Florida is among 23 states that have filed suits against cigarette makers in an attempt to recoup public health costs attributed to smoking.

Florida's case, however, is considered by experts the strongest in the nation. The 1994 law strips cigarette makers of most legal defenses - including the right to argue that smokers are at least partially responsible for their own illnesses.

The nation's tobacco companies have been pushing furiously to abolish the law ever since it was passed. Even Friday's comments from Webster and Jennings didn't foster talk of surrender from industry representatives.

''Time is tight, we know,'' said John French, lobbyist for Philip Morris USA, the nation's largest cigarette maker.

''We'll let it play for a while,'' he added. '''But we're a long way from calling in the fat lady.''

A Chiles spokeswoman, likewise, said the governor will continue to stay on guard against the repeal effort.

''It is certainly good to hear that legislative leaders agree that the repeal effort is going nowhere,'' April Herrle said. ''But tobacco has too much at stake to just call it a day.''

The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn May 2. Repeal supporters had outlined a drum-tight time frame, in which the bill was to sail through the GOP-controlled House and Senate this month and go to Chiles.

During the session, Chiles has only one week to act on legislation. After the anticipated veto, lawmakers were then expected to attempt an override of the governor in the session's closing days.

The last time the Florida Legislature overrode a gubernatorial veto was 1986. Lawmakers from the governor's party are traditionally reluctant to buck their titular leader.

Webster said it's unlikely many Democrats would cross the governor by supporting an override.

Republicans hold a narrow 61-59 House majority. The Senate is divided 23-17, with Republicans in the majority.

''Just from a loyalty standpoint,'' most Democrats will stand by the governor, Webster said.